Dr Bronwyn Thomas
Postdoctoral Fellow
- Doctor of Philosophy, Applied Physics: University of Sydney (2008)
- Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours, Theoretical Chemistry): University of Sydney (1998)
- Master of Teaching (Secondary): University of Newcastle (2021)
Engineering
Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
I am a computational materials scientist with an interest in atomic-scale defects and radiation damage in ceramics and metals.
I completed an honours degree in Advanced Science at the University of Sydney, attaining a University Medal in theoretical chemistry for my thesis on simulating laser-induced densification of silica glass for optical fibre technology. On graduating I was employed by ANSTO (Materials Science and Engineering), performing experimental and computational studies on the durability of nuclear wasteform ceramics.
I obtained my PhD in Applied Physics at the University of Sydney (2008) while working for ANSTO, simulating defects and radiation damage in synroc-type titanate materials. Much of this work was published and presented at international conferences, including an invited presentation at the International Conference on Radiation Effects in Insulators (Caen, France, 2007).
Since leaving ANSTO to raise a family, I have obtained further qualifications in professional editing and proofreading and in secondary school teaching (College Medal, Master of Teaching, University of Newcastle), and have been employed in these fields as well as taking on small research projects (University of Sydney, Curtin University) on a part-time basis.
I also enjoy music-making (piano, percussion, brass), reading, running, puzzles and planning holidays.
E-mail
Location
Ainsworth Building (J17)
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At UNSW Sydney, my research comprises atomic-scale modeling of hydrogen embrittlement, as part of an ARC discovery project between UNSW Sydney and the University of Sydney. This project aims to study the behaviour of hydrogen and existing defects in simplified steel-related alloys, particularly relating to metal deformation mechanisms. I will be performing ab initio calculations of hydrogen incorporation and defects in simple alloys, as well as developing machine learning models to simulate larger-scale defect interactions and deformation processes. This will aid in understanding hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms at the atomic scale, which in turn will help in development of steels with improved properties for hydrogen-related technologies.
As part of the Nuclear Innovation Centre I am also interested in broader nuclear-related research involving defects and radiation damage in various materials.